Cheetos & Takis Crusted Cheese Dough Balls

Ingredients

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted, for the dough)
• 1 tsp Active Dry Yeast (for leavening)
• 3/4 cup Warm Milk (lukewarm (about 35°C))
• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted)
• 1 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)
• 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar (helps feed the yeast)
• 1 Large Egg (beaten, for the dough)
• 200 g Cheddar Cheese (cut into 2‑inch cubes, full‑fat for meltiness)
• 1 Large Egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• 1 cup Cheetos (Crunchy) (finely crushed; use a zip‑bag and rolling pin)
• 1 cup Takis (Fuego) (finely crushed; adds spicy kick)
• 2 cups Vegetable Oil (neutral oil for deep‑frying, heat to 350°F)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Yeasted Dough

   In a mixing bowl combine the warm milk, a pinch of sugar, and the yeast. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy. Add the remaining flour, salt, sugar, melted butter, and the beaten egg. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead by hand or with a dough hook for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.

   Time: PT10M

2. First Rise

   Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot for 15 minutes, or until doubled in size.

   Time: PT15M

3. Shape Cheese‑Filled Balls

   Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 8 equal pieces. Flatten each piece, place a cheese cube in the center, and fold the dough around the cheese, sealing the edges. Roll gently into a smooth ball about 2 inches in diameter.

   Time: PT5M

4. Egg Wash and First Coating

   Place the crushed Cheetos in a shallow dish and the crushed Takis in another. Dip each cheese ball first in the beaten egg, then roll it in the Cheetos crumbs, pressing lightly to adhere. Set aside on a plate. Repeat with the remaining balls, using Takis for half of them for a spicy contrast.

   Time: PT5M

5. Heat the Oil

   Pour vegetable oil into the frying pan to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat over medium‑high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer or drop a small crumb of bread – it should sizzle and turn golden in 15‑20 seconds.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 350°F

6. Fry the Balls

   Working in small batches, gently lower the coated balls into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Fry for 2‑3 minutes, turning once, until the coating is deep golden and the cheese inside is melted.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 350°F

7. Drain and Serve

   Remove the fried balls with the slotted spoon and place on a paper‑towel‑lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot with a dipping sauce of your choice (e.g., ranch, sriracha mayo).

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

210

Protein

8 g

Carbohydrates

15 g

Fat

13 g

Fiber

1 g